Selected quad for the lemma: law_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
law_n believe_v faith_n justify_v 18,143 5 8.5818 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27009 The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1653 (1653) Wing B1373A; ESTC R17485 252,137 602

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

supposition_n i_o explicate_v the_o point_n thus_o 1._o no_o man_n may_v look_v at_o his_o own_o grace_n or_o duty_n as_o his_o legal_a righteousness_n that_o be_v such_o as_o for_o which_o the_o law_n of_o work_n will_v pronounce_v he_o righteous_a 2._o nor_o yet_o may_v he_o take_v they_o for_o part_n of_o his_o legal_a righteousness_n in_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o the_o other_o part_n but_o here_o we_o must_v go_v whole_o out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v all_o such_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v no_o work_n which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o once_o think_v that_o our_o grace_n duty_n or_o suffering_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n nor_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o satisfaction_n here_o we_o ascribe_v all_o ●o_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n 4._o nor_o must_v we_o think_v that_o our_o duty_n or_o grace_n be_v proper_o meritorious_a this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o the_o sole_a honour_n of_o christ_n ●_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v and_o must_v raise_v our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o gra●es_n and_o duty_n shall_v appear_v in_o these_o clear_a reason_n follow_v which_o show_v also_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o may_v do_v it_o 1._o pardon_v justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o salvation_n be_v all_o give_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n only_o conditional_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o the_o condition_n be_v a_o act_n or_o rather_o several_a act_n of_o our_o own_o now_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o certainty_n that_o the_o benefit_n shall_v be_v he_o nor_o can_v he_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n ordinary_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o benefit_n but_o by_o that_o which_o ascertain_v he_o that_o he_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n god_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v no_o man_n can_v know_v then_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v till_o he_o first_o know_v that_o he_o believe_v else_o he_o shall_v know_v either_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v or_o more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o justification_n and_o adoption_n shall_v be_v give_v some_o other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o gospel_n promise_v for_o that_o promise_n give_v they_o only_o conditional_o and_o so_o suspend_v the_o actual_a right_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n but_o if_o any_o can_v show_v any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o god_n make_v over_o pardon_n and_o adoption_n beside_o the_o gospel_n promise_n let_v they_o do_v it_o but_o i_o will_v not_o promise_v sudden_o to_o believe_v they_o for_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o show_v as_o i_o know_v of_o also_o if_o man_n must_v not_o look_v a●_n their_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n to_o prove_v their_o right_n to_o the_o benefit_n then_o either_o all_o or_o none_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v tha●_n right_a for_o the_o promise_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o lif●_n conditional_o to_o all_o if_o all_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o most_o of_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v a_o lie_n if_o the_o true_a believer_n may_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v because_o he_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o no_o man_n may_v believe_v it_o and_o for_o that_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o new_a heart_n no_o man_n can_v or_o may_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v he_o till_o he_o have_v that_o new_a heart_n which_o it_o promise_v that_o be_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v for_o there_o be_v no_o mark_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o that_o promise_n belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o beforehand_o and_o if_o all_o shall_v believe_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o most_o will_v find_v it_o false_a 2._o god_n have_v not_o redeem_a we_o by_o his_o son_n to_o be_v lawless_a to_o be_v without_o law_n be_v to_o be_v without_o government_n we_o be_v without_o the_o law_n that_o be_v of_o work_n or_o of_o moses_n but_o not_o without_o law_n jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o ruler_n and_o he_o have_v make_v we_o a_o law_n of_o grace_n a_o easy_a yoke_n and_o command_n that_o be_v not_o grievous_a this_o law_n have_v precept_n promise_n and_o threat_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v either_o obey_v or_o disobey_v and_o so_o the_o paenalty_n must_v be_v due_a or_o not_o due_a and_o the_o reward_v due_a or_o not_o due_a he_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o so_o to_o who_o the_o reward_n be_v due_a and_o not_o the_o paenalty_n be_v righteous_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o law_n as_o when_o we_o be_v accuse_v to_o be_v sinner_n against_o the_o law_n of_o work_n and_o so_o to_o deserve_v the_o paenalty_n of_o that_o law_n we_o must_v confess_v all_o and_o plead_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o our_o justification_n so_o when_o we_o be_v accuse_v to_o be_v final_a unbeliever_n or_o impenitent_a and_o so_o not_o to_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o our_o own_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o performance_n of_o that_o condition_n and_o must_v plead_v not_o guilty_a and_o so_o far_o our_o own_o act_n be_v our_o evangelical_n righteousness_n and_o that_o of_o such_o necessity_n that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v have_v part_n in_o christ_n righteousness_n nor_o be_v save_v i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n else_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o else_o he_o will_v plead_v at_o judgement_n when_o the_o accuse●_n charge_v he_o or_o if_o he_o do_v so_o charge_v he_o with_o final_a unbelief_n will_v he_o confess_v it_o and_o say_v christ_n have_v believe_v and_o repent_v for_o i_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v christ_n be_v a_o believer_n for_o infidel_n that_o he_o may_v save_v infidel_n all_o false_a if_o he_o will_v not_o say_v thus_o and_o lie_v will_v do_v no_o good_a then_o must_v he_o plead_v his_o own_o believe_v and_o repent_v as_o his_o righteousness_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o accusation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v of_o such_o use_n then_o and_o be_v call_v a_o hundred_o time_n in_o scripture_n our_o righteousness_n and_o we_o righteous_a for_o it_o then_o doubtless_o we_o may_v according_o try_v by_o it_o now_o whether_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v able_a to_o come_v off_o and_o be_v justify_v or_o no_o and_o so_o may_v build_v our_o comfort_n on_o it_o 3._o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o judge_n within_o we_o and_o do_v as_o under_o god_n accuse_v and_o condemn_v or_o excuse_v and_o acquit_v now_o if_o conscience_n must_v absolve_v we_o only_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v innocent_a or_o do_v well_o or_o be_v qualify_v with_o grace_n than_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o these_o our_o qualification_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o comfort_n see_v act_n 24.16_o and_o 23.1_o rom._n 2.15_o 16._o 4._o those_o which_o be_v our_o grace_n and_o work_n as_o we_o be_v the_o subject_n and_o agent_n be_v the_o grace_n and_o work_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o own_o work_n or_o grace_n than_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o the_o work_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n christ_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o 5._o our_o grace_n be_v the_o spiritual_a life_n or_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o our_o holy_a action_n be_v the_o vital_a operation_n now_o life_n and_o health_n be_v necessary_a rejoice_v delight_v thing_n of_o themselves_o and_o vital_a action_n be_v necessary_o pleasant_a and_o delectable_a 6._o our_o grace_n and_o holy_a action_n must_v needs_o rejoice_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o object_n for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n trust_v hope_v meditation_n prayer_n conference_n etc._n etc._n be_v god_n himself_o and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v such_o action_n choose_v but_o rejoice_v we_o 7._o yea_o rejoice_v itself_o and_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o god_n be_v not_o only_o one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o that_o great_a duty_n wherein_o lie_v the_o height_n of_o our_o christianity_n and_o how_o vain_a a_o speech_n be_v it_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v not_o take_v up_o our_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o work_n nor_o rejoice_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o when_o even_o rejoice_v itself_o and_o delight_v and_o comfort_v ourselves_o be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 8._o as_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a object_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o comfort_n so_o that_o we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o nothing_o but_o
repent_v believe_v in_o a_o redeemer_n etc._n etc._n but_o for_o thy_o sin_n yet_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v that_o so_o do_v be_v proper_o a_o sin_n though_o do_v they_o defective_o be_v god_n do_v not_o will_n and_o approve_v of_o it_o that_o any_o soul_n that_o can_v see_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n in_o itself_o shall_v yet_o be_v as_o confident_a and_o merry_a and_o careless_a as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o be_v well_o god_n will_v not_o have_v man_n doubt_v of_o his_o love_n and_o yet_o make_v light_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o he_o else_o what_o shall_v poor_a carnal_a sinner_n do_v that_o find_v themselves_o unsanctified_a no_o nor_o do_v god_n expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v judge_v of_o himself_o better_a than_o he_o have_v evidence_n to_o warrant_v such_o a_o judgement_n but_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o for_o he_o that_o think_v he_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o deceive_v himself_o gal._n 6.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o self-deceiver_n especial_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o unexpressible_a consequence_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o desperate_a doctrine_n of_o the_o antinomian_o as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v god_n special_a love_n to_o they_o and_o their_o own_o justification_n and_o that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v before_o and_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o question_v his_o faith_n say_v saltmarsh_n any_o more_o than_o to_o question_n christ_n and_o that_o all_o fear_n of_o our_o damnation_n or_o not_o be_v justify_v after_o this_o believe_a be_v sin_n and_o those_o that_o persuade_v to_o they_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o law_n how_o punctual_o do_v the_o most_o profane_a ungodly_a people_n hold_v most_o point_n of_o the_o antinomian_a belief_n though_o they_o never_o know_v that_o sect_n by_o name_n god_n command_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v more_o than_o be_v true_a nor_o immediate_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o doubt_n and_o fear_n but_o to_o overcome_v they_o in_o a_o orderly_a methodical_a way_n that_o be_v use_v god_n mean_n till_o their_o grace_n become_v more_o discernible_a and_o their_o understanding_n more_o clear_a and_o fit_a to_o discern_v they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o thereby_o of_o our_o justification_n adoption_n and_o right_a to_o glorification_n heb._n 4.1_o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_v be_v leave_v of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o psal_n 2.11_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o rejoice_v before_o he_o with_o tremble_v kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a not_o only_o 1._o a_o reverend_a fear_n of_o god_n majesty_n 2._o and_o a_o filial_a fear_n of_o offend_v he_o 3._o and_o a_o awful_a fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o we_o see_v they_o execute_v on_o other_o and_o hear_v they_o threaten_v 4._o and_o a_o filial_a fear_n of_o temporal_a chastisement_n and_o lawful_a and_o our_o duty_n but_o also_o 5._o a_o fear_n of_o damnation_n exciting_a to_o most_o careful_a importunity_n to_o escape_v it_o when_o ever_o we_o have_v so_o far_o obscure_v our_o evidence_n as_o to_o see_v no_o strong_a probability_n of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o our_o salvation_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o speech_n therefore_o be_v this_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o your_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v your_o sin_n much_o of_o they_o be_v your_o great_a duty_n do_v you_o not_o feel_v that_o god_n make_v these_o fear_n at_o your_o first_o conversion_n the_o first_o and_o a_o principal_a mean_n of_o your_o recovery_n to_o drive_v you_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o state_n and_o way_n and_o to_o look_v after_o christ_n with_o more_o longing_n and_o estimation_n and_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n with_o more_o resolution_n and_o diligence_n have_v not_o these_o fear_n be_v chief_a preserver_n of_o your_o diligence_n and_o integrity_n ever_o since_o i_o know_v love_n shall_v do_v more_o than_o it_o do_v with_o we_o all_o but_o if_o we_o have_v not_o daily_o use_v for_o both_o love_n and_o fear_v god_n will_v not_o 1._o have_v plant_v they_o both_o in_o our_o nature_n 2._o and_o have_v renew_v they_o both_o by_o regenerate_a grace_n 3._o and_o have_v put_v into_o his_o word_n the_o object_n to_o move_v both_o viz._n threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n that_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n include_v the_o fear_n of_o his_o threaten_a wrath_n i_o can_v say_v abundance_n more_o to_o prove_v this_o but_o that_o i_o know_v as_o to_o you_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o conviction_n of_o it_o but_o remember_v the_o use_n of_o it_o do_v not_o put_v the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n upon_o all_o your_o fear_n of_o god_n displeasure_n much_o less_o shall_v you_o present_o conclude_v that_o you_o have_v no_o faith_n and_o that_o you_o can_v believe_v because_o of_o these_o fear_n you_o may_v have_v much_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o fear_n and_o god_n may_v make_v they_o preserver_n of_o your_o faith_n by_o quicken_a you_o up_o to_o that_o mean_n that_o must_v maintain_v it_o and_o by_o keep_v you_o from_o those_o evil_n that_o will_v be_v as_o a_o worm_n at_o the_o root_n of_o it_o and_o eat_v out_o its_o precious_a strength_n and_o life_n security_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o faith_n but_o a_o deadly_a enemy_n than_o fear_v itself_o obj._n then_o cain_n and_o judas_n sin_v not_o by_o despair_v or_o at_o least_o not_o damnable_o answ_n 1._o they_o despair_v not_o only_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o event_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o also_o of_o god_n of_o his_o power_n or_o goodness_n and_o promise_v and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o any_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n their_o infidelity_n be_v the_o root_n of_o their_o despair_n 2._o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o say_v or_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v despair_v of_o the_o event_n or_o that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n yea_o or_o that_o you_o shall_v cherish_v causeless_a and_o excessive_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o towards_o the_o end_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o so_o do_v take_v heed_n of_o all_o fear_n that_o drive_v you_o from_o god_n or_o that_o distract_v or_o weaken_v your_o spirit_n or_o disable_v you_o from_o duty_n or_o drown_v your_o love_n to_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o destroy_v your_o apprehension_n of_o god_n loveliness_n and_o compassion_n and_o raise_v black_a and_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o your_o mind_n again_o i_o entreat_v you_o avoid_v and_o abhor_v all_o such_o fear_n but_o if_o you_o find_v in_o you_o the_o fear_n of_o godly_a jealousy_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o such_o moderate_v fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o banish_v security_n presumption_n and_o boldness_n in_o sin_v and_o be_v as_o d._n sibbs_n call_v they_o the_o awe-band_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o make_v you_o fly_v to_o the_o merit_n and_o bosom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o affright_a child_n to_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o mother_n and_o as_o the_o manslayer_n under_o the_o law_n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o as_o a_o man_n pursue_v by_o a_o lion_n to_o his_o sanctuary_n or_o hold_n do_v not_o think_v you_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o you_o have_v these_o fear_n but_o moderate_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o then_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o indeed_o perfect_a love_n which_o will_v be_v in_o heaven_n when_o all_o be_v perfect_v will_v cast_v out_o this_o fear_n and_o so_o it_o will_v do_v sorrow_n and_o care_n and_o prayer_n and_o mean_n but_o see_v you_o lay_v not_o these_o by_o till_o perfect_a love_n have_v cast_v they_o out_o see_v jer._n 5.22_o 23._o &_o heb._n 12._o two_o last_o verse_n wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v let_v we_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n for_o our_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o be_o too_o large_a on_o these_o forego_n head_n i_o will_v purposely_o shorten_v the_o rest_n lest_o i_o weary_a you_o direction_n xix_o 19_o further_o understand_v that_o those_o few_o who_o do_v attain_v to_o assurance_n have_v it_o not_o either_o perfect_o or_o constant_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n and_o oft_o cloud_v and_o interrupt_v that_o the_o high_a assurance_n on_o earth_n be_v imperfect_a i_o have_v show_v
he_o will_v move_v a_o scruple_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o too_o good_a or_o too_o much_o you_o shall_v not_o clothe_v yourself_o but_o he_o will_v move_v you_o to_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o you_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o any_o company_n but_o he_o will_v afterward_o vex_v you_o about_o every_o word_n you_o speak_v lest_o you_o sin_v the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v also_o about_o your_o condition_n but_o more_o of_o that_o anon_o direction_n xxvii_o 27._o when_o god_n have_v once_o show_v you_o a_o certainty_n or_o but_o a_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o his_o special_a love_n labour_v to_o fix_v this_o so_o deep_a in_o your_o apprehension_n and_o memory_n that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a and_o leave_v not_o your_o soul_n too_o open_a to_o change_n upon_o every_o new_a apprehension_n nor_o to_o question_v all_o that_o be_v pass_v upon_o every_o jealousy_n except_o when_o some_o notable_a decline_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n or_o a_o commit_n of_o gross_a sin_n or_o a_o wilfulness_n or_o carelessness_n in_o other_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v avoid_v do_v give_v you_o just_a cause_n of_o question_v your_o sincerity_n and_o bring_v your_o s●ul_n again_o to_o the_o bar_n and_o your_o estate_n to_o a_o more_o exact_a review_n some_o antinomian_a writer_n and_o preacher_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o who_o will_v persuade_v you_o whatsoever_o sin_n you_o fall_v into_o never_o more_o to_o question_v your_o justification_n or_o salvation_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o before_o to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n detestable_a their_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n change_v not_o as_o we_o change_v and_o justification_n be_v never_o lose_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o god_n hate_v we_o while_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n psal_n 11.5_o &_o 5.5_o and_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o afterward_o he_o lay_v by_o that_o hatred_n and_o wrath_n and_o all_o this_o without_o change_n if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o apprehend_v how_o god_n unchangeableness_n can_v stand_v with_o the_o full_a and_o frequent_a expression_n of_o he_o in_o scripture_n must_v we_o therefore_o deny_v what_o those_o expression_n do_v contain_v as_o austin_n say_v shall_v we_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v plain_a because_o we_o can_v reach_v that_o which_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a 2._o but_o if_o these_o man_n have_v well_o study_v the_o scripture_n they_o may_v have_v know_v that_o the_o same_o man_n that_o be_v yesterday_o hate_v as_o a_o enemy_n may_v to_o day_n be_v reconcile_v and_o love_v as_o a_o son_n and_o that_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n even_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o knowledge_n for_o god_n rule_v the_o world_n by_o his_o law_n they_o be_v his_o moral_a instrument_n by_o they_o he_o condemn_v by_o they_o he_o justify_v so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v say_v in_o this_o life_n before_o the_o judgement_n day_n to_o do_v it_o unless_o there_o be_v any_o other_o secret_a act_n of_o justification_n with_o he_o which_o man_n be_v not_o able_a now_o to_o understand_v the_o change_n be_v therefore_o in_o our_o relation_n and_o in_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o the_o law_n when_o we_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o impenitent_a we_o be_v relate_v to_o god_n as_o enemy_n rebel_n unjustified_a and_o unpardoned_a be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n condemn_v and_o pronounce_v enemy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o yet_o justify_v or_o pardon_v and_o so_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n oblige_v according_a to_o that_o law_n which_o we_o be_v under_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o enemy_n by_o destroy_v we_o and_o this_o be_v god_n hate_v wrath_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o repent_v return_v and_o believe_v our_o relation_n be_v change_v the_o same_o law_n that_o do_v condemn_v we_o be_v relax_v and_o disable_v and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n do_v now_o acquit_v we_o it_o pardon_v we_o it_o justfi_v we_o and_o god_n by_o it_o and_o so_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v such_o as_o according_a to_o his_o own_o law_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v to_o forgive_v and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o and_o to_o use_v as_o son_n be_v not_o all_o this_o apparent_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n can_v he_o make_v a_o law_n that_o shall_v change_v its_o moral_a action_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o the_o action_n or_o inclination_n of_o sinner_n and_o this_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n and_o so_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v that_o a_o justify_v man_n shall_v fall_v from_o god_n from_o christ_n from_o sincere_a faith_n or_o obedience_n the_o law_n will_v condemn_v he_o again_o and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n will_v justify_v he_o no_o more_o in_o that_o state_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n 3._o if_o this_o antinomian_a argument_n will_v prove_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v prove_v justification_n before_o and_o so_o without_o christ_n satisfaction_n because_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o god_n 4._o the_o very_a point_n that_o no_o justify_v man_n shall_v ever_o fall_v from_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o past_o all_o doubt_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o objection_n as_o that_o a_o poor_a soul_n in_o such_o a_o relapsed_a estate_n shall_v venture_v his_o everlasting_a salvation_n whole_o on_o this_o suppose_v that_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v once_o sincere_a for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o no_o root_v believer_n that_o be_v habitual_o and_o ground_o resolve_v for_o christ_n and_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n as_o all_o have_v that_o be_v thorough_o christ_n do_v ever_o fall_v quite_o away_o from_o he_o afterward_o but_o i_o dare_v not_o lay_v my_o salvation_n on_o this_o and_o if_o i_o be_v no_o sure_a of_o my_o salvation_n than_o i_o be_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o my_o judgement_n to_o speak_v free_o my_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a condition_n 5._o but_o suppose_v it_o as_o certain_a and_o plain_a as_o any_o word_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o justify_v man_n be_v never_o quite_o unjustified_a yet_o as_o every_o new_a sin_n bring_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o punishment_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v pardon_v as_o need_v no_o pardon_n so_o must_v every_o sin_n have_v its_o particular_a pardon_n and_o consequent_o the_o sinner_n a_o particular_a justification_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o that_o sin_n beside_o his_o first_o general_a pardon_n and_o justification_n for_o to_o pardon_v sin_n before_o it_o be_v commit_v be_v to_o pardon_v sin_n that_o be_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n now_o though_o for_o daily_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n there_o be_v a_o pardon_n of_o course_n upon_o the_o title_n of_o our_o habitual_a faith_n and_o repentance_n yet_o whether_o in_o case_n of_o gross_a sin_n or_o more_o notable_a defection_n this_o will_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o particular_a pardon_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o actual_a repentance_n and_o what_o case_n the_o sinner_n be_v in_o till_o that_o actual_a repentance_n and_o faith_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o be_v so_o difficult_a question_n it_o be_v order_v by_o god_n great_a wisdom_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o it_o beseem_v no_o wise_a man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n on_o his_o own_o opinion_n in_o these_o nay_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o gross_a sinner_n have_v opportunity_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o sin_n repent_v not_o they_o shall_v perish_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v a_o justify_v man_n have_v great_a reason_n upon_o such_o fall_v to_o examine_v his_o particular_a repentance_n as_o well_o as_o his_o former_a state_n and_o not_o to_o promise_v himself_o or_o presume_v upon_o a_o pardon_n without_o it_o 6._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o though_o both_o the_o continuance_n of_o faith_n and_o non-intercision_a of_o justification_n be_v never_o so_o certain_a yet_o when_o a_o man_n obedience_n be_v so_o far_o overthrow_v his_o former_a evidence_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o justification_n will_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o though_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v changeable_a or_o justification_n will_v be_v lose_v yet_o he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o question_v whether_o ever_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o so_o be_v ever_o justify_v for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o they_o that_o love_n christ_n will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n libertine_n and_o carnal_a man_n may_v talk_v their_o pleasure_n but_o when_o satan_n maintain_v not_o their_o peace_n sin_n will_v break_v it_o and_o dr._n sibs_n word_n will_v be_v
they_o in_o terror_n and_o amazement_n like_a man_n after_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n that_o be_v leave_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o darkness_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v expect_v that_o such_o joy_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n ordinary_a state_n or_o god_n shall_v so_o diet_v we_o with_o a_o continual_a feast_n it_o will_v neither_o suit_n with_o our_o health_n nor_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o pilgrimage_n live_v therefore_o on_o your_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n when_o this_o be_v want_v know_v that_o god_n appoint_v you_o a_o fast_o for_o your_o health_n and_o when_o you_o have_v a_o feast_n of_o high_a joy_n feed_v on_o it_o and_o be_v thankful_a but_o when_o they_o be_v take_v from_o you_o gape_v not_o after_o they_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v after_o christ_n at_o his_o ascension_n but_o return_v thankful_o to_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n of_o peace_n and_o remember_v that_o these_o joy_n which_o be_v now_o take_v from_o you_o may_v so_o return_v again_o however_o there_o be_v a_o place_n prepare_v for_o you_o where_o your_o joy_n shall_v be_v full_a direction_n xxii_o 22._o my_o next_o direction_n be_v this_o spend_v more_o of_o your_o time_n and_o care_n about_o your_o duty_n then_o about_o your_o comfort_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o your_o grace_n then_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v for_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o depend_v on_o your_o actual_a obedience_n this_o direction_n be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o any_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o give_v you_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o little_a of_o it_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o so_o full_o already_o in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_n 3_o ch._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o my_o reason_n for_o what_o i_o here_o assert_v be_v these_o 1._o duty_n go_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o time_n before_o comfort_n as_o the_o precept_n be_v before_o the_o promise_n comfort_n be_v part_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o suppose_v duty_n 2._o grace_n make_v man_n both_o so_o ingenuous_a and_o divine_a as_o to_o consider_v god_n due_a as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o and_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o shall_v have_v still_o remember_v that_o our_o work_n can_v merit_v at_o god_n hand_n 3._o as_o we_o must_v have_v grace_n before_o we_o can_v know_v we_o have_v it_o so_o ordinary_o we_o must_v have_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v so_o clear_o discern_v it_o as_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o small_a thing_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v next_o to_o none_o and_o hardly_o discernible_a by_o weak_a eye_n when_o all_o way_n in_o the_o world_n be_v try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o sure_a for_o a_o doubt_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o action_n and_o get_v they_o increase_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o cause_n of_o christian_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n love_n hope_v repentance_n humility_n etc._n etc._n so_o great_a or_o so_o common_a as_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o these_o grace_n do_v not_o the_o very_a language_n of_o complain_v christian_n show_v this_o one_o say_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n i_o can_v believe_v i_o have_v no_o love_n to_o god_n i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o duty_n another_o say_v i_o can_v mourn_v for_o sin_n my_o heart_n be_v never_o break_v i_o can_v patient_o bear_v a_o injury_n i_o have_v no_o courage_n in_o oppose_a sin_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o be_v not_o in_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n man_n can_v not_o so_o ordinary_o think_v they_o have_v none_o a_o lively_a strong_a work_v faith_n love_n zeal_n courage_n etc._n etc._n will_v show_v themselves_o as_o do_v the_o high_a tower_n the_o great_a mountain_n the_o strong_a wind_n the_o great_a flame_n which_o will_v force_v a_o observance_n by_o their_o greatness_n and_o effect_n 4._o consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n to_o see_v his_o people_n study_v he_o and_o he_o will_v direct_o then_o to_o spend_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o their_o study_n about_o the_o attain_n of_o comfort_n to_o themselves_o 5._o and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o grace_n to_o tend_v first_o and_o chief_o towards_o god_n and_o but_o secondary_o to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o have_v faith_n give_v we_o principal_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o live_v by_o it_o in_o daily_a application_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v repentance_n that_o it_o may_v break_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o bring_v we_o back_o to_o god_n we_o have_v love_n that_o we_o may_v love_v god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n his_o saint_n and_o law_n and_o way_n we_o have_v zeal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v quicken_v in_o all_o our_o holy_a duty_n and_o we_o have_v obedience_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o these_o grace_n be_v to_o use_v they_o for_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o their_o nature_n do_v express_v and_o then_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n follow_v after_o this_o both_o in_o time_n and_o dignity_n 6._o and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o ourselves_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o obtain_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n then_o after_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v they_o you_o may_v be_v save_v though_o you_o never_o get_v assurance_n here_o but_o you_o can_v be_v save_v without_o christ_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v not_o make_v assurance_n the_o condition_n of_o your_o salvation_n it_o tend_v indeed_o exceed_o to_o your_o comfort_n and_o a_o precious_a mercy_n it_o be_v but_o your_o safety_n lie_v not_o on_o it_o it_o be_v better_a go_v sorrowful_a and_o doubt_v to_o heaven_n then_o comfortable_o to_o hell_n first_o therefore_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o then_o look_v that_o you_o do_v your_o best_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o to_o go_v that_o way_n and_o then_o try_v your_o performance_n in_o its_o season_n 7._o beside_o as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o far_o great_a moment_n so_o also_o of_o quick_a dispatch_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n christ_n true_o then_o to_o get_v assurance_n that_o you_o do_v true_o believe_v and_o love_v he_o you_o may_v believe_v immediate_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o get_v assurance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o life_n let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v this_o one_o thing_n of_o you_o that_o when_o you_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o any_o grace_n you_o will_v not_o present_o bend_v all_o your_o thought_n upon_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o but_o rather_o say_v to_o yourself_o i_o see_v try_v be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a a_o long_a and_o tedious_a work_n i_o may_v be_v this_o many_o year_n about_o it_o and_o possible_o be_v unresolved_a still_o if_o i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o i_o have_v no_o grace_n i_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o so_o i_o may_v if_o i_o think_v that_o i_o have_v it_o i_o may_v inquire_v of_o friend_n and_o minister_n long_o and_o yet_o be_v leave_v in_o doubt_n it_o be_v therefore_o my_o sure_a way_n to_o seek_v present_o to_o obtain_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o not_o and_o to_o increase_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o and_o i_o be_o certain_a none_o of_o that_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v to_o get_v more_o be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v i_o have_v it_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o get_v more_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a difficulty_n than_o so_o i_o answer_v understand_v what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o your_o understanding_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v in_o your_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o passionate_a part_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n and_o branch_n if_o therefore_o your_o grace_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v chief_o in_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o yield_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n now_o how_o shall_v a_o unwilling_a soul_n be_v make_v willing_a why_o thus_o 1._o pray_v constant_o as_o you_o be_v able_a for_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o yield_v inclinable_a heart_n to_o christ_n 2._o hear_v constant_o those_o preacher_n that_o bend_v their_o doctrine_n to_o inform_v your_o understanding_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o persuade_v
he_o to_o have_v die_v and_o satisfy_v in_o vain_a you_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o not_o a_o christian_a and_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o paul_n so_o much_o dispute_v against_o that_o will_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n nay_o you_o must_v not_o to_o much_o as_o once_o imagine_v that_o all_o your_o own_o work_n can_v be_v any_o part_n of_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n to_o you_o only_a christ_n satisfaction_n and_o merit_n be_v in_o stead_n of_o this_o our_o legal_a righteousness_n and_o worthiness_n god_n never_o give_v christ_n and_o mercy_n to_o any_o but_o the_o unworthy_a in_o this_o sense_n if_o you_o know_v not_o yourself_o to_o be_v unworthy_a and_o unrighteous_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n you_o can_v know_v what_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v do_v christ_n come_v to_o save_v any_o but_o sinner_n and_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v what_o need_v you_o a_o saviour_n if_o you_o be_v not_o condemn_v and_o how_o come_v you_o to_o be_v condemn_v if_o you_o be_v not_o unrighteous_a and_o unworthy_a but_o then_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o evangelical_n personal_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n bestow_v christ_n righteousness_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o all_o have_v that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v that_o why_o it_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o condition_n and_o worthiness_n require_v to_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o pardon_n of_o all_o your_o sin_n past_a and_o your_o adoption_n and_o justification_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o your_o hearty_a thankful_a acceptance_n of_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v free_o give_v you_o of_o god_n by_o his_o covenant-grant_a that_o be_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o 1_o john_n 5.10_o 11_o 12._o there_o be_v no_o worthiness_n require_v in_o you_o before_o faith_n as_o a_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n will_v give_v you_o faith_n but_o only_o certain_a mean_v you_o be_v appoint_v to_o use_v for_o the_o obtain_n it_o and_o faith_n itself_o be_v but_o the_o acceptance_n of_o a_o free_a gift_n god_n require_v you_o not_o to_o bring_v any_o other_o worthiness_n or_o price_n in_o your_o hand_n but_o that_o you_o consent_v unfeigned_o to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v and_o to_o the_o end_n and_o use_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v that_o be_v as_o one_o that_o have_v satisfy_v for_o you_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o merit_n to_o put_v away_o your_o sin_n and_o as_o one_o that_o must_v illuminate_v and_o teach_v you_o sanctify_v and_o guide_n and_o govern_v you_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o as_o king_n and_o judge_n will_v full_o and_o final_o justify_v you_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o give_v you_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n christ_n on_o his_o part_n 1._o have_v merit_v your_o pardon_n by_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o proper_o by_o his_o sanctify_v you_o 2._o and_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o rule_v you_o by_o his_o law_n and_o not_o direct_o by_o his_o bloodshed_n 3._o and_o he_o will_v justify_v you_o at_o judgement_n as_o king_n and_o judge_n and_o not_o as_o satisfier_n or_o sanctifier_n but_o the_o condition_n on_o your_o part_n of_o obtain_v interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v that_o our_o faith_n which_o accept_v he_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n both_o as_o king_n priest_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o all_o these_o end_n conjunct_o but_o then_o 2._o the_o condition_n and_o worthyness_n require_v to_o the_o continuation_n and_o consummate_v on_o of_o your_o pardon_n justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n be_v both_o the_o continuance_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o your_o sincere_a obedience_n even_o your_o keep_n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n that_o you_o make_v with_o christ_n by_o your_o parent_n and_o the_o covenant_n which_o you_o in_o your_o own_o person_n make_v with_o he_o in_o your_o first_o true_a believe_v these_o indeed_o be_v call_v worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n frequent_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v no_o worthiness_n consist_v in_o any_o such_o work_n which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v of_o debt_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n of_o which_o paul_n speak_v but_o only_a in_o faith_n and_o such_o gospel_n work_v as_o james_n speak_v of_o which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v whole_o of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n now_o if_o you_o say_v you_o be_v unworthy_a in_o this_o evangelical_n sense_n than_o you_o must_v mean_v if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v a_o infidel_n or_o unbeliever_n or_o a_o impenitent_a obstinate_a rebel_n that_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o he_o for_o the_o gospel_n call_v none_o unworthy_a as_o non-performer_n of_o its_o condition_n but_o only_o these_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o dare_v not_o charge_v yourself_o with_o such_o infidelity_n and_o wilful_a rebellion_n doubt_v xii_o though_o god_n have_v keep_v i_o from_o gross_a sin_n yet_o i_o find_v such_o a_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o little_a averseness_n from_o sin_n in_o my_o mind_n i●_n that_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o shall_v commit_v it_o if_o i_o lie_v under_o temptation_n and_o also_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o hold_v out_o in_o trial_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v death_n or_o any_o grievous_a calamity_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o endure_v mere_o for_o want_n of_o a_o temptation_n be_v no_o true_a obedience_n answer_n 1._o i_o have_v full_o answer_v this_o before_o if_o you_o can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v distrustful_o whether_o you_o shall_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o adversity_n and_o if_o god_n give_v you_o grace_n to_o avoid_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o fly_v occasion_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v and_o to_o overcome_v they_o where_o you_o can_v avoid_v they_o you_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o distrust_v his_o preservation_n of_o you_o and_o your_o steadfastness_n thereby_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o great_a temptation_n indeed_o if_o you_o feel_v not_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o to_o possess_v you_o with_o some_o sensible_a hatred_n of_o it_o you_o have_v need_n to_o look_v to_o your_o heart_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o that_o belief_n and_o hatred_n and_o fear_v your_o heart_n with_o a_o godly_a preserve_a jealousy_n but_o not_o with_o torment_v disquiet_v doubt_n whatever_o your_o passionate_a hatred_n be_v if_o you_o have_v a_o settle_a well-grounded_n resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o death_n you_o may_v confident_o &_o comfortable_o trust_v he_o for_o your_o preservation_n who_o give_v you_o those_o resolution_n 2._o and_o the_o last_o sentence_n of_o this_o doubt_n have_v need_n of_o great_a caution_n before_o you_o conclude_v it_o a_o certain_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o obedience_n which_o by_o a_o ordinary_a temptation_n such_o as_o man_n may_v expect_v will_v be_v overthrow_v be_v not_o well_o ground_v and_o root_v before_o it_o be_v overthrow_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o degree_n of_o temptation_n possible_a which_o will_v overcome_v the_o resolution_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a have_v such_o assistance_n as_o the_o spirit_n usual_o give_v believer_n in_o temptation_n and_o whether_o some_o temptation_n which_o overcome_v not_o a_o strong_a christian_a will_v not_o overcome_v a_o weak_a one_o who_o yet_o have_v true_a grace_n i_o conclude_v nothing_o of_o these_o doubt_n but_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o trouble_v yourself_o upon_o confident_a conclusion_n on_o so_o doubtful_a ground_n this_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o 1._o that_o the_o strong_a christian_n shall_v take_v heed_n of_o temptation_n and_o not_o trust_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o presume_v on_o god_n preservation_n while_o he_o wilful_o cast_v himself_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o danger_n nor_o to_o be_v encourage_v hereunto_o upon_o any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o impossibility_n of_o his_o fall_v away_o o_o the_o fall_v the_o fearful_a fall_n that_o i_o have_v know_v alas_o how_o often_o the_o eminent_a man_n for_o godliness_n that_o ever_o i_o know_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o by_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o temptation_n i_o confess_v i_o will_v never_o be_v confident_a of_o that_o man_n perseverance_n be_v he_o the_o best_a that_o i_o know_v on_o earth_n who_o cast_v himself_o upon_o violent_a temptation_n espe●●●●●●_n 〈◊〉_d ●mptations_n of_o sensuality_n prosperity_n and_o seducement_n 2._o i_o know_v god_n have_v teach_v we_o daily_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a i_o never_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o petition_n feel_o till_o i_o see_v the_o example_n of_o these_o
think_v to_o make_v it_o public_a an●_n so_o have_v no_o room_n for_o marginal_a quotation_n nor_o time_o to_o transcribe_v that_o copy_n that_o may_v have_v room_n nor_o indeed_o much_o min●_n of_o they_o if_o i_o have_v have_v both_o room_n and_o time_n as_o in_o all_o the_o remove_n of_o my_o life_n ●_o have_v be_v still_o lead_v to_o that_o place_n or_o state_n which_o be_v further_a from_o my_o own_o thought_n and_o never_o design_v or_o contrive_v by_o myself_o so_o all_o the_o write_n that_o yet_o i_o have_v publish_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o some_o sudden_a unexpected_a occasion_n extort_a from_o i_o while_o those_o that_o i_o most_o affect_v have_v be_v stifle_v in_o the_o conception_n and_o those_o that_o i_o have_v most_o labour_v in_o must_v lie_v bury_v in_o the_o dust_n that_o i_o may_v know_v its_o god_n that_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o all_o experience_n persuade_v i_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o have_v compel_v i_o hereto_o intend_v to_o make_v this_o hasty_a writing_n a_o mean_n for_o the_o calm_v of_o some_o trouble_a soul_n which_o if_o he_o do_v i_o have_v my_o end_n if_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n public_a peace_n either_o through_o my_o own_o unskilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n or_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o malady_n yet_o will_v it_o be_v my_o comfort_n to_o further_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o poor_a christian_n though_o to_o the_o former_a also_o i_o shall_v contribute_v my_o best_a endeavour_n and_o be_o with_o this_o send_n to_o the_o press_n some_o few_o sheet_n to_o that_o end_n with_o our_o worcestershire_n agreement_n the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o both_o the_o subdue_a of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n confusion_n and_o contention_n the_o destroy_n of_o that_o pride_n self-esteem_a self-seeking_a and_o carnalmindedness_a which_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o best_a be_v the_o disturber_n of_o all_o peace_n the_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o impeaceable_a principle_n disposition_n and_o practice_n the_o near_a closure_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o hasten_v of_o the_o church_n everlasting_a peace_n these_o be_v his_o daily_a prayer_n who_o be_v may_v 7._o 1653._o a_o zealous_a desirer_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o faithful_a soul_n richard_n baxter_n the_o content_n the_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v pag._n 1._o direction_n i._n discover_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o your_o trouble_n 4_o the_o continue_a necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a ministry_n 6_o direction_n ii_o discover_v well_o how_o much_o of_o your_o trouble_n be_v from_o melancholy_a or_o from_o outward_a cross_n and_o apply_v the_o remedy_n according_o 7_o direction_n iii_o lay_v first_o in_o your_o understand_a sound_n and_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o god_n nature_n 17_o the_o benefit_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n 18_o direction_n iu._n get_v deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o gracious_a nature_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n 28_o direction_n v._o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o full_a sufficiency_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n for_o all_o 32_o direction_n vi_o apprehend_v the_o freeness_n fullness_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n or_o conditional_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o believe_v 33_o direction_n vii_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o general_n grace_n and_o special_a and_o between_o the_o possibility_n probability_n conditional_a certainty_n and_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o so_o between_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o comfort_n that_o these_o several_n may_v afford_v 35_o how_o much_o comfort_n the_o unconvert_v may_v receive_v from_o general_n grace_n 39_o direction_n viii_o understand_v right_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o save_v faith_n 49_o direction_n ix_o next_o perform_v the_o condition_n by_o actual_a believe_v 55_o object_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o believe_v answer_v 56_o direction_n how_o to_o get_v faith_n 59_o how_o far_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v acceptable_a 60_o direction_n x._o next_o review_n your_o own_o believe_v and_o thence_o gather_v assurance_n 66_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n what_o they_o be_v 68_o 71_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a depart_n from_o christ_n or_o any_o sinful_a trust_n in_o our_o own_o righteousness_n to_o gather_v peace_n comfort_n or_o assurance_n from_o sign_n within_o we_o 74_o twenty_o argument_n prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o gather_v comfort_n or_o assurance_n from_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o 75_o direction_n xi_o make_v use_n in_o trial_n of_o none_o but_o infallible_a sign_n 86_o five_o certain_a sign_n together_o comprise_v the_o description_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a 88_o twenty_o observable_a explicatory_a point_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o sign_n 91_o direction_n xii_o know_v that_o assurance_n of_o justification_n or_o right_a to_o salvation_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_a grace_n 119_o prove_v from_o the_o many_o exceed_a difficulty_n that_o must_v be_v overcome_v by_o all_o that_o will_v have_v assurance_n in_o ordinary_a way_n and_o from_o other_o reason_n 120_o direction_n xiii_o the_o first_o time_n of_o our_o receive_v or_o act_v save_a grace_n and_o so_o of_o our_o justification_n and_o adoption_n can_v ordinary_o be_v know_v 136_o to_o affirm_v that_o save_a sincerity_n of_o grace_n lie_v but_o in_o a_o gradual_a natural-difference_n be_v no_o diminution_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o grace_n 142_o direction_n fourteen_o know_v that_o assurance_n be_v not_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o true_a christian_n but_o only_o of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o strong_a most_o active_a watchful_a and_o obedient_a prove_v 145_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o 151_o direction_n xv._n know_v that_o even_o many_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o more_o obedient_a who_o have_v assurance_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v yet_o unassure_v of_o their_o salvation_n for_o want_v of_o assurance_n to_o persevere_v 160_o the_o author_n free_a confession_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o judgement_n herein_o 162_o direction_n xvi_o there_o be_v many_o ground_n to_o discover_v a_o probability_n of_o save_a grace_n where_o we_o can_v yet_o discern_v a_o certainty_n and_o you_o must_v learn_v next_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n to_o receive_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o special_a grace_n before_o you_o expect_v or_o be_v ripe_a for_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n 170_o prove_v that_o a_o christian_a may_v live_v a_o joyful_a life_n without_o assurance_n 178_o direction_n xvii_o improve_v your_o own_o and_o other_o experience_n to_o strengthen_v your_o probability_n 179_o direction_n xviii_o know_v that_o god_n have_v not_o command_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v nor_o that_o you_o be_v justify_v or_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o only_o conditional_o and_o therefore_o your_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o certainty_n proper_o of_o divine_a faith_n 189_o it_o be_v not_o unbelief_n or_o desperation_n in_o christian_n which_o be_v common_o call_v so_o 193_o direction_n xix_o know_v that_o those_o few_o that_o do_v attain_v to_o assurance_n have_v it_o not_o constant_o 209_o direction_n xx._n never_o expect_v so_o much_o assurance_n on_o earth_n as_o shall_v set_v you_o above_o all_o possibility_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o above_o all_o apprehension_n of_o real_a danger_n 211_o the_o usefulness_n of_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n open_v 214_o direction_n xxi_o be_v glad_a of_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o look_v not_o too_o much_o after_o rapture_n and_o strong_a feeling_n of_o comfort_n and_o if_o you_o have_v such_o expect_v not_o a_o constancy_n of_o they_o 227_o direction_n xxii_o spend_v more_o time_n and_o care_n about_o your_o duty_n then_o your_o comfort_n and_o to_o get_v and_o exercise_v and_o increase_v grace_n then_o to_o discern_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 232_o direction_n xxiii_o think_v not_o that_o those_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n which_o be_v cause_v and_o continue_v by_o wilful_a disobedience_n will_v ever_o be_v well_o heal_v but_o by_o the_o heal_n of_o that_o disobedience_n or_o that_o such_o can_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n as_o obedient_a doubt_v christian_n may_v 246_o how_o far_o a_o christian_n can_v or_o can_v do_v the_o good_a he_o will_v 251_o three_o sort_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n or_o so_o call_v open_v 256_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o gross_a sin_n doubtful_a 265_o prove_v that_o assurance_n depend_v much_o on_o careful_a obedience_n and_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o most_o obedient_a believer_n will_v ordinary_o have_v most_o and_o best_a assurance_n of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n 270_o the_o use_n of_o the_o former_a direction_n 280_o the_o doubt_n
child_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o sin_n be_v pardon_v this_o that_o i_o describe_v to_o you_o be_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o mistake_n be_v so_o dangerous_a that_o i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a direction_n by_o itself_o to_o warn_v you_o of_o it_o but_o now_o i_o have_v go_v so_o far_o i_o will_v dispatch_v it_o here_o two_o dangerous_a consequent_n i_o find_v do_v follow_v this_o unwarrantable_a expectation_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a efficient_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v adopt_a 1._o some_o poor_a soul_n have_v languish_v in_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n almost_o all_o their_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o witness_n as_o the_o spirit_n use_v not_o to_o give_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v other_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v they_o yea_o they_o have_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o inhabitation_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o run_v as_o samuel_n do_v to_o eli_n not_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o look_v for_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n when_o they_o have_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o elias_n and_o the_o messiah_n 2._o other_o do_v more_o dangerous_o err_v by_o take_v the_o strong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v but_o entertain_v the_o opinion_n that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o use_n of_o mark_n that_o must_v assure_v man_n of_o their_o adoption_n present_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o have_v that_o witness_n themselves_o it_o be_v scarce_o likely_a to_o be_v god_n spirit_n that_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o the_o mere_a change_n of_o a_o opinion_n the_o devil_n use_v to_o do_v as_o much_o to_o cherish_v presumption_n as_o to_o destroy_v true_a faith_n and_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o our_o persuasion_n of_o our_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o delusion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o friend_n to_o it_o and_o help_v it_o on_o and_o it_o be_v a_o probable_a sign_n it_o be_v a_o good_a persuasion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o still_o trouble_v we_o and_o endeavour_v our_o disquiet_n and_o here_o i_o remember_v the_o scruple_n that_o trouble_v some_o about_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n but_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v mean_v that_o spirit_n and_o those_o operation_n on_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o law_n of_o work_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v partly_o in_o bondage_n to_o a_o task_n of_o ceremonious_a duty_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o curse_n and_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n for_o disobedience_n without_o any_o power_n to_o justify_v they_o be_v say_v therefore_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_v 15._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v mean_v 1._o that_o spirit_n or_o those_o qualification_n and_o work_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n god_n give_v only_o to_o his_o son_n 2._o and_o which_o raise_v in_o we_o some_o childlike_a affection_n to_o god_n incline_v we_o in_o all_o our_o want_n to_o run_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n as_o to_o a_o father_n and_o to_o make_v our_o moan_n to_o he_o and_o open_v our_o grief_n and_o cry_v for_o redress_n and_o look_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o a_o child_n on_o the_o father_n this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n you_o may_v have_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v certain_a of_o god_n special_a love_n to_o you_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o his_o general_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o raise_v in_o you_o true_a childlike_a affection_n you_o may_v know_v god_n to_o have_v fatherly_a inclination_n to_o you_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v use_v you_o as_o a_o child_n for_o want_v of_o assurance_n of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o you_o may_v hope_n god_n be_v your_o father_n when_o yet_o you_o may_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v a_o displease_a angry_a father_n and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v more_o your_o terror_n then_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o you_o ready_a in_o most_o of_o your_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n to_o go_v to_o god_n before_o all_o other_o for_o relief_n and_o do_v not_o your_o heart_n sigh_v and_o groan_v to_o he_o when_o you_o can_v scarce_o speak_v do_v not_o your_o trouble_a spirit_n there_o find_v its_o first_o vent_n and_o say_v lord_n kill_v i_o not_o forsake_v i_o not_o my_o life_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n o_o soften_v this_o hard_a heart_n make_v this_o carnal_a mind_n more_o spiritual_a o_o be_v not_o such_o a_o stranger_n to_o my_o soul_n woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o so_o ignorant_a of_o thou_o so_o disaffect_v to_o thou_o so_o backward_o and_o disincline_v to_o holy_a communion_n with_o thou_o woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o can_v take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o thou_o and_o be_o s●_n mindless_a and_o disregardfull_a of_o thou_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v stir_v up_o in_o i_o more_o lively_a desire_n and_o work_n of_o my_o soul_n towards_o thou_o and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o lie_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o the_o breathe_n of_o your_o spirit_n why_o these_o be_v childlike_a breathe_n after_o god_n this_o be_v cry_v abba_n father_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n even_o when_o you_o fear_v god_n will_v cast_v you_o off_o you_o much_o mistake_v and_o those_o that_o tell_v you_o so_o if_o you_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n lie_v only_o in_o a_o persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v god_n child_n or_o that_o you_o may_v not_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n without_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n adopt_v you_o for_o god_n may_v adopt_v you_o and_o give_v you_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o give_v only_o to_o his_o child_n and_o possess_v you_o with_o true_a filial_a affection_n towards_o he_o before_o ever_o you_o know_v yourself_o to_o be_v adopt_a much_o more_o though_o you_o may_v have_v frequent_a return_v doubt_n of_o your_o adoption_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o how_o far_o you_o may_v expect_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o far_o you_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o mark_n and_o qualification_n or_o action_n of_o your_o own_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o assurance_n and_o settle_a peace_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o principal_a objection_n of_o the_o antinomian_o against_o this_o object_n they_o say_v this_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o and_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o law_n to_o lay_v their_o comfort_n and_o build_v their_o peace_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o make_v themselves_o their_o own_o saviour_n and_o those_o teacher_n that_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o all_o our_o own_o righteousness_n be_v as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o take_v up_o our_o assurance_n or_o comfort_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o at_o uncertainty_n and_o at_o a_o loss_n or_o unconstant_a up_o and_o down_o in_o our_o comfort_n as_o long_o as_o we_o take_v they_o from_o any_o sign_n in_o ourselves_o also_o our_o own_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o unfit_a to_o be_v the_o evidence_n for_o our_o assurance_n answ_n because_o i_o be_o not_o now_o purposely_o confute_v the_o antinomian_o but_o only_o fore-arming_a you_o against_o their_o assault_n i_o shall_v no●_n therefore_o give_v you_o half_a that_o i_o shall_v otherwise_o say_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o point_n and_o the_o confutation_n of_o their_o error_n but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o your_o preservation_n which_o i_o do_v because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v th●_n only_a preacher_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o only_a right_a comforter_n of_o trouble_a conscience_n &_o because_o they_o have_v write_v so_o many_o book_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o your_o hand_n may_v seem_v so_o specious_a as_o that_o you_o may_v nee●_n some_o preservative_n i_o suppose_v you_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o so_o oft_o concern_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n and_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o their_o different_a condition_n upon_o which_o
do_v more_o with_o we_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o sin_n than_o faith_n and_o obedience_n do_v to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n ordinary_o this_o be_v no_o true_a faith_n or_o obedience_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o the_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o his_o interest_n be_v not_o the_o most_o predominant_a and_o potent_a we_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n do_v actual_o prevail_v when_o a_o man_n be_v actual_o commit_v a_o know_a sin_n and_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o habit_n be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o acts._n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n that_o most_o sin_v must_v needs_o be_v most_o in_o doubt_n whether_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o flesh_n be_v predominant_a and_o so_o whether_o his_o obedience_n be_v true_a or_o no_o and_o so_o whether_o he_o do_v sincere_o take_v christ_n for_o his_o sovereign_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n whether_o he_o do_v subject_a himself_o to_o christ_n as_o his_o only_a sovereign_n and_o whether_o the_o authority_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n will_v do_v more_o with_o he_o than_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o be_v resolve_v but_o by_o feel_v the_o pulse_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o if_o he_o say_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o obey_v christ_n before_o the_o f●●sh_n and_o yet_o do_v actual_o live_v in_o a_o obedience_n to_o the_o flesh_n before_o christ_n he_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o own_o will_n for_o this_o be_v no_o save_v willingness_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v some_o will_n to_o obey_v christ_n principal_o but_o have_v more_o will_n to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n to_o please_v the_o flesh_n before_o christ_n therefore_o he_o be_v wicked_a still_o so_o that_o you_o see_v in_o our_o self-examination_n the_o business_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n final_o resolve_v into_o our_o sincere_a actual_a obedience_n for_o thus_o we_o proceed_v we_o first_o find_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o love_v christ_n sincere_o shall_v be_v save_v then_o we_o proceed_v he_o that_o believe_v sincere_o take_v christ_n for_o his_o sovereign_n then_o he_o that_o true_o take_v christ_n for_o his_o sovereign_n do_v true_o resolve_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o his_o law_n before_o the_o world_n flesh_n or_o devil_n then_o he_o that_o true_o resolve_v thus_o to_o obey_v christ_n before_o all_o do_v sincere_o perform_v his_o resolution_n and_o do_v so_o obey_v he_o for_o that_o be_v no_o true_a resolution_n ordinary_o that_o never_o come_v to_o performance_n and_o here_o we_o be_v cast_v unavoidable_o to_o try_v whether_o we_o do_v perform_v our_o resolution_n by_o actual_a obedience_n before_o we_o can_v sit_v down_o with_o settle_a peace_n much_o more_o before_o we_o get_v assurance_n now_o those_o that_o be_v diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o obey_v and_o have_v great_a conquest_n over_o their_o corruption_n and_o do_v most_o seldom_o yield_v to_o temptation_n but_o do_v most_o notable_o and_o frequent_o conquer_v they_o these_o have_v the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o resolution_n by_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o the_o full_a assurance_n but_o they_o that_o be_v often_o overcome_v by_o temptation_n and_o yield_v most_o to_o sin_n and_o live_v most_o disobedient_o must_v needs_o be_v further_a from_o assurance_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o salvation_n 2._o god_n himself_o have_v plain_o make_v our_o actual_a obedience_n not_o only_o a_o sign_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o a_o secondary_a part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v save_v without_o it_o as_o without_o faith_n suppose_v that_o the_o person_n have_v opportunity_n to_o obey_v in_o which_o case_n only_o it_o be_v make_v necessary_a as_o a_o condition_n this_o i_o will_v but_o cite_v several_a scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o leave_v you_o to_o peruse_v they_o if_o you_o be_v unsatisfied_a rom._n 8.1_o to_o 14._o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v they_o that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rev._n 22.14_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o may_v enter_v in_o by_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n heb._n 5.9_o he_o be_v become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o for_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n for_o it_o be_v light_a learn_v of_o i_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a etc._n etc._n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n etc._n etc._n john_n 16.27_o luke_n 13.24_o phil._n 2.12_o rom._n 2.7_o 10._o joh._n 15.12_o 17._o &_o 14.21_o mat._n 5.44_o luk._n 6.27_o 35._o pro._n 8.17_o 21._o matth._n 10.37_o 1_o tim._n 6.18_o 19_o 2_o tim._n 2.5_o 12._o matth._n 25.41_o 42._o jam._n 2.21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 26._o &_o 1.12_o &_o 2.5_o prov._n 1.23_o &_o 28.13_o luk._n 13.3_o 5._o matth._n 12.37_o &_o 11.25_o 26._o &_o 6.12_o 14_o 15._o 1_o john_n 1.9_o act._n 8.22_o &_o 3.19_o &_o 22.16_o luke_n 6.37_o 1_o pet._n 4.18_o &_o 1.2_o 22._o rom._n 6.16_o with_o abundance_n more_o the_o like_a now_o when_o a_o poor_a sinner_n that_o have_v oft_o fall_v into_o drunkenness_n rail_a strife_n envy_v etc._n etc._n shall_v read_v that_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o for_o these_o thing_n sake_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o his_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n must_v needs_o have_v so_o great_a a_o dependence_n on_o his_o obedience_n as_o that_o these_o sin_n will_v diminish_v it_o when_o he_o read_v rom._n 6.16_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n he_o must_v needs_o think_v how_o such_o a_o time_n and_o such_o a_o time_n he_o obey_v sin_n and_o the_o often_o and_o the_o more_o wilful_o he_o do_v it_o the_o doubtfull_a will_v his_o case_n be_v especial_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o he_o may_v avoid_v whether_o of_o gross_a sin_n or_o any_o wilful_a sin_n it_o can_v be_v but_o this_o will_v obscure_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o obedience_n man_n can_v judge_v beyond_o evidence_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o true_a obedience_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n 3._o moreover_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n be_v god_n gift_n and_o without_o his_o gracious_a aid_n we_o can_v attain_v they_o but_o god_n will_v not_o give_v such_o gift_n to_o his_o child_n while_o they_o stand_v out_o in_o disobedience_n but_o when_o they_o careful_o please_v he_o paternal_a justice_n require_v this_o 4._o and_o it_o will_v do_v they_o abundance_n of_o hurt_n and_o god_n much_o dishonour_n if_o he_o shall_v either_o tell_v they_o just_o how_o oft_o or_o how_o far_o they_o may_v sin_v and_o yet_o be_v save_v or_o yet_o shall_v keep_v up_o their_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o well_o in_o their_o great_a disobedience_n as_o in_o their_o tender_a careful_a walk_v with_o he_o but_o these_o thing_n i_o speak_v of_o before_o and_o former_o elsewhere_o you_o see_v then_o that_o though_o some_o obedient_a tender_a christian_n may_v yet_o on_o several_a occasion_n be_v deprive_v of_o assurance_n yet_o ordinary_o no_o other_o but_o they_o have_v assurance_n and_o that_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n will_v rise_v and_o fall_v with_o obedience_n and_o for_o all_o the_o antinomian_a objection_n against_o this_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lead_a man_n to_o their_o own_o righteousness_n from_o christ_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o twenty_o argument_n which_o i_o before_o lay_v you_o down_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v and_o must_v fetch_v our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o work_n and_o grace_n and_o so_o from_o our_o own_o evangelical_n righteousness_n which_o be_v subordinate_a to_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o matth._n 25._o last_o and_o in_o forty_o
he_o be_v not_o sound_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o so_o need_v not_o a_o conversion_n to_o a_o sound_a faith_n but_o only_o to_o a_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n the_o suddenness_n of_o the_o news_n must_v needs_o make_v those_o violent_a commotion_n and_o change_n in_o the_o one_o which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o other_o who_o be_v acquaint_v so_o early_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o such_o degree_n 5._o but_o suppose_v you_o hear_v nothing_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o a_o redeemer_n in_o your_o childhood_n or_o at_o least_o understand_v it_o not_o which_o yet_o be_v unlikely_a yet_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o do_v not_o that_o preacher_n or_o that_o book_n or_o whatever_o other_o mean_v god_n use_v for_o your_o conversion_n reveal_v to_o you_o misery_n and_o mercy_n both_o together_o do_v not_o you_o hear_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o understand_v your_o sin_n and_o misery_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v both_o together_o and_o so_o do_v every_o sound_a preacher_n and_o every_o sound_a writer_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o slanderous_a antinomian_o do_v shameless_o proclaim_v that_o we_o preach_v not_o christ_n but_o the_o law_n this_o be_v so_o you_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o abate_v very_o much_o of_o the_o terror_n which_o will_v else_o have_v be_v unavoidable_a if_o you_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o preach_v of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o must_v not_o use_v to_o any_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o since_o the_o first_o promise_n to_o adam_n must_v receive_v yea_o or_o if_o you_o have_v hear_v nothing_o of_o a_o saviour_n for_o a_o year_n or_o a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n after_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o hell_n and_o so_o the_o remedy_n have_v be_v but_o conceal_v from_o you_o though_o not_o deny_v which_o ordinary_o must_v not_o be_v do_v than_o you_o may_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v find_v some_o more_o terror_n of_o soul_n that_o hour_n but_o when_o you_o hear_v that_o your_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o hear_v that_o your_o misery_n have_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n provide_v if_o you_o will_v accept_v it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v not_o remediless_a and_o this_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v of_o that_o misery_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o this_o exceed_o abate_v your_o fear_n and_o trouble_n suppose_v two_o man_n go_v to_o visit_v two_o several_a neighbour_n that_o have_v the_o plague_n and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o be_v on_o you_o you_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n the_o other_o say_v to_o the_o other_o sick_a person_n it_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o you_o have_v but_o here_o be_v our_o physician_n at_o the_o next_o door_n that_o have_v a_o receipt_n that_o will_v cure_v it_o as_o infallible_o and_o as_o easy_o as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o prick_n of_o a_o pin_n he_o have_v cure_v thousand_o and_o never_o fail_v one_o that_o take_v his_o receipt_n but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o send_v to_o he_o and_o trust_v he_o and_o take_v his_o re●e●●t_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o you_o tell_v i_o now_o whether_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sick_a person_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v more_o trouble_v than_o the_o other_o and_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o remove_v almost_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o latter_a to_o hear_v of_o a_o certain_a remedy_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o disease_n though_o some_o trouble_n he_o must_v needs_o have_v to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v a_o disease_n in_o itself_o so_o desperate_a or_o loathsome_a nay_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o so_o the_o cure_n be_v but_o well_o do_v the_o less_o terror_n and_o despair_a fear_n you_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o more_o credit_n be_v it_o to_o your_o physician_n and_o his_o apothecary_n christ_n and_o the_o preacher_n or_o instrument_n that_o do_v the_o work_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v rather_o praise_v your_o physician_n then_o question_v the_o cure_n doubt_v iii_o but_o it_o be_v common_a with_o all_o the_o world_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o and_o somewhat_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n in_o they_o the_o mahometan_n in_o they_o and_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v no_o other_o work_n on_o my_o soul_n but_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o education_n that_o make_v i_o religious_a and_o that_o i_o have_v never_o that_o great_a renew_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o so_o that_o all_o my_o religion_n be_v but_o mere_a opinion_n or_o notion_n in_o my_o brain_n answer_n 1._o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v either_o much_o error_n and_o wickedness_n mix_v with_o some_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o they_o contain_v some_o lesser_a parcel_n of_o that_o truth_n alone_o as_o the_o jew_n only_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v that_o whole_a truth_n which_o be_v save_v now_o so_o much_o of_o god_n truth_n as_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o these_o religion_n so_o much_o it_o may_v work_v good_a effect_n upon_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o that_o god_n be_v holy_a good_a just_a merciful_a and_o that_o he_o show_v they_o much_o undeserved_a mercy_n in_o his_o daily_a providence_n etc._n etc._n but_o mark_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o person_n of_o false_a religion_n do_v more_o easy_o and_o greedy_o embrace_v the_o false_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n then_o the_o true_a and_o those_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o and_o practice_n with_o all_o their_o might_n because_o their_o natural_a corruption_n do_v befriend_v it_o and_o be_v as_o combustible_a fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n to_o catch_v in_o but_o that_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o their_o error_n if_o it_o be_v practical_a they_o fight_v against_o it_o and_o abhor_v it_o while_o they_o hold_v it_o because_o it_o cross_v their_o lust_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v usual_o but_o some_o few_o of_o the_o more_o convince_v and_o civil_a that_o god_n in_o providence_n make_v the_o main_a instrument_n of_o continue_v those_o truth_n of_o he_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n for_o we_o find_v that_o even_o among_o pagan_n the_o profaner_n and_o more_o sensual_a sort_n do_v deride_v the_o better_a sort_n as_o our_o profane_a christian_n do_v the_o godly_a who_o they_o call_v puritan_n 2._o note_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o in_o these_o false_a religion_n be_v still_o acknowledge_v be_v so_o small_a a_o part_n and_o so_o oppress_v by_o error_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o their_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o any_o sound_a hope_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o clear_a and_o deep_a and_o powerful_a impression_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o may_v make_v they_o holy_a or_o true_o heavenly_a or_o may_v overcome_v in_o they_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v so_o you_o may_v see_v great_a reason_n why_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v zealous_a for_o his_o religion_n without_o god_n spirit_n or_o any_o true_a sanctification_n when_o yet_o you_o can_v be_v so_o true_o zealous_a for_o you_o without_o it_o indeed_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n separate_v from_o the_o practical_a or_o from_o the_o hard_a and_o self_n deny_v part_n of_o the_o practical_a many_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v zealous_a for_o as_o to_o maintain_v the_o godhead_n or_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n or_o to_o maintain_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o against_o the_o turk_n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o against_o the_o papist_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v christ_n church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o roman_n and_o against_o the_o socinian_o and_o arrian_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n nor_o do_v this_o or_o any_o heathenish_a zeal_n sanctify_v the_o heart_n or_o true_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n or_o overcome_v the_o world_n they_o may_v contemn_v life_n and_o cast_v it_o away_o for_o their_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n but_o not_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o bless_a life_n with_o god_n this_o be_v but_o the_o prevalency_n of_o one_o corruption_n against_o another_o or_o
expression_n because_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o able_a natural_a part_n and_o have_v a_o tongue_n to_o express_v his_o own_o mind_n the_o promote_a of_o holy_a desire_n will_v help_v man_n to_o expression_n for_o a_o full_a soul_n be_v hardly_o hinder_v from_o vent_v itself_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n enflame_v the_o heart_n with_o holy_a affection_n do_v very_o much_o furnish_v both_o the_o invention_n and_o expression_n but_o this_o be_v but_o accidental_a and_o uncertain_a for_o those_o that_o be_v either_o man_n of_o unready_a tongue_n or_o that_o be_v so_o ill_o breed_v among_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a that_o they_o want_v fit_a expression_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v of_o over-bashful_a disposition_n or_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o small_a knowledge_n and_o of_o little_a and_o short_a acquaintance_n with_o those_o that_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o example_n or_o that_o have_v be_v but_o of_o short_a stand_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n many_o a_o year_n and_o never_o be_v able_a in_o full_a expression_n of_o his_o own_o to_o make_v know_v his_o want_n to_o god_n no_o nor_o in_o good_a and_o tolerable_a sense_n and_o language_n before_o other_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n from_o his_o own_o invention_n a_o man_n may_v know_v all_o those_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v matter_n or_o word_n for_o the_o open_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n at_o length_n i_o will_v advise_v such_o to_o frequent_v the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o can_v teach_v and_o help_v they_o in_o prayer_n and_o neglect_v not_o to_o use_v the_o small_a part_n they_o have_v especial_o in_o secret_a between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n where_o they_o need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o public_a to_o be_v regardful_a of_o expression_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o learn_v a_o prayer_n from_o some_o book_n that_o may_v fitly_o express_v their_o necessity_n or_o to_o use_v the_o book_n itself_o in_o prayer_n if_o they_o distrust_v their_o memory_n not_o resolve_v to_o stick_v he●●_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o ind●l●i●●●●eir_n la●i●ess_n and_o negligence_n much_o less_o to_o reproach_n and_o deride_v those_o that_o express_v their_o desire_n to_o god_n from_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o want_n as_o some_o wicked_o do_v deride_v such_o but_o to_o use_v this_o lawful_a help_n till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v better_o without_o it_o then_o with_o it_o and_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o by_o and_o not_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v rom._n 8.16_o to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n but_o how_o 1._o by_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o not_o always_o what_o matter_n or_o word_n to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o by_o but_o what_o necessary_a grace_n to_o pray_v for_o 2._o by_o give_v we_o sigh_n and_o groan_n unexpressible_a which_o be_v far_o from_o give_v copious_a expression_n for_o groan_n and_o sigh_n be_v not_o word_n and_o if_o they_o be_v groan_n that_o we_o can_v express_v it_o will_v rather_o seem_v to_o intimate_v a_o want_n of_o expression_n than_o a_o constant_a abound_v therein_o where_o the_o spirit_n do_v assist_v though_o indeed_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o groan_n be_v so_o deep_a that_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o expression_n of_o our_o word_n all_o our_o speech_n can_v express_v that_o deep_a sense_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o understanding_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o affection_n herein_o all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v express_v to_o other_o but_o the_o feeling_n and_o fervent_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v but_o very_o defective_o express_v last_o all_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o like_a measure_n nor_o all_o that_o have_v it_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n at_o one_o time_n can_v find_v it_o so_o at_o pleasure_n desire_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o these_o earnest_a groan_n be_v not_o in_o every_o prayer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v assist_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o a_o prayer_n that_o ever_o a_o believer_n do_v put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o thing_n lawful_a and_o useful_a but_o it_o be_v put_v up_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o weak_a prayer_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o good_a desire_n in_o it_o and_o address_n to_o god_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o express_v they_o and_o these_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o only_o from_o the_o spirit_n mere_a word_n without_o desire_n be_v no_o more_o prayer_n than_o a_o suit_n of_o apparel_n hang_v on_o a_o stake_n be_v a_o man_n you_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v it_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a degree_n yet_o still_o i_o will_v encourage_v you_o to_o bewail_v your_o defect_n herein_o as_o your_o sin_n and_o seek_v earnest_o the_o supply_n of_o your_o want_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o question_n or_o deny_v your_o sincerity_n or_o right_a to_o salvation_n doubt_v x._o i_o have_v no_o gift_n to_o make_v i_o useful_a to_o myself_o or_o other_o when_o i_o shall_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n i_o can_v remember_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v reprove_v a_o sinner_n or_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a i_o have_v not_o word_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o have_v not_o word_n to_o express_v that_o which_o as_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o what_o grace_n can_v here_o be_v then_o answer_n this_o need_v no_o long_a answer_n lament_v and_o amend_v those_o sin_n by_o which_o you_o have_v be_v disable_v but_o know_v that_o these_o gift_n depend_v more_o on_o nature_n art_n industry_n and_o common_a grace_n then_o upon_o special_a save_a grace_n many_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v excellent_a in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v defective_a where_o have_v god_n lay_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o memory_n the_o readiness_n of_o our_o tongue_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o like_a gift_n that_o be_v almost_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o have_v find_v complexion_n and_o healthful_a and_o youthful_a body_n and_o all_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v sickly_a age_a weak_a child_n and_o most_o woman_n doubt_n xi_o o_o but_o i_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n before_o i_o come_v home_o and_o have_v fall_v foul_o since_o and_o i_o be_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o mercy_n will_v the_o lord_n ever_o save_o such_o a_o unworthy_a wretch_n as_o i_o will_v he_o ever_o give_v his_o mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n to_o one_o that_o have_v so_o abuse_v it_o answer_n 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o with_o god_n what_o you_o have_v be_v but_o what_o you_o be_v god_n take_v man_n as_o they_o then_o be_v and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o object_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o gild_n against_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n do_v you_o think_v christ_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o that_o he_o die_v for_o small_a sin_n and_o not_o for_o great_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o will_v pardon_v all_o and_o have_v give_v out_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o in_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o to_o all_o man_n on_o condition_n they_o will_v accept_v christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o heal_v they_o in_o his_o own_o way_n have_v god_n make_v it_o his_o great_a design_n in_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n to_o make_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n as_o honourable_a and_o wonderful_a as_o he_o do_v his_o power_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o will_v you_o after_o all_o this_o oppose_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o satisfaction_n why_o you_o may_v as_o well_o think_v yourself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o that_o god_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v you_o as_o to_o think_v your_o sin_n so_o great_a that_o christ_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o they_o or_o will_v not_o pardon_v they_o if_o you_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o 3._o and_o for_o worthiness_n i_o pray_v you_o observe_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a worthiness_n &_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o legal_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o pure_a nature_n and_o work_n this_o no_o man_n have_v but_o christ_n and_o if_o you_o look_v after_o this_o righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n in_o yourself_o then_o do_v you_o depart_v from_o christ_n and_o make_v
no_o great_a likelihood_n or_o hope_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v sincere_a if_o you_o do_v as_o i_o think_v many_o christian_n easy_o may_v that_o yet_o receive_v not_o a_o proportionable_a comfort_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v no_o small_a mercy_n but_o matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o see_v no_o grace_n in_o yourself_o yet_o you_o can_v be_v sure_a you_o have_v none_o for_o it_o may_v be_v there_o and_o you_o not_o see_v it_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o yet_o remember_v that_o you_o have_v still_o abundant_a cause_n of_o comfort_n in_o god_n general_n grace_n do_v you_o think_v you_o must_v needs_o despair_v or_o give_v up_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n or_o conclude_v yourself_o irrecoverable_o lose_v because_o you_o be_v graceless_a why_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o there_o be_v that_o ground_n of_o consolation_n in_o general_a grace_n that_o may_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o very_a wicked_a to_o leap_v for_o joy_n do_v i_o need_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o you_o you_o know_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v to_o tell_v those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v it_o behold_v we_o bring_v you_o tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o people_n and_o you_o know_v before_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o man_n they_o be_v miserable_a if_o then_o it_o be_v glad_a tiding_n and_o tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o the_o unconvert_v where_o it_o come_v why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o to_o you_o and_o where_o be_v your_o great_a joy_n if_o you_o be_v graceless_a be_v it_o nothing_o to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v exceed_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n ready_a to_o forgive_v pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n love_a mankind_n be_v it_o nothing_o to_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n down_o into_o humane_a flesh_n and_o have_v take_v on_o he_o the_o most_o bless_a office_n of_o reconcile_a and_o be_v become_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n be_v it_o nothing_o to_o you_o that_o all_o your_o sin_n have_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n pay_v for_o they_o so_o that_o you_o be_v certain_a not_o to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o ransom_n be_v it_o nothing_o to_o you_o that_o god_n have_v make_v such_o a_o universal_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o mere_a law_n of_o work_n to_o be_v judge_v for_o not_o obey_v in_o perfection_n suppose_v you_o be_v never_o so_o certain_o graceless_a be_v it_o not_o a_o ground_n of_o unspeakable_a comfort_n that_o you_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v condemn_v you_o but_o a_o flat_a refusal_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n which_o may_v comfort_v a_o man_n as_o yet_o unsanctified_a that_o sin_n mere_o as_o sin_n shall_v not_o condemn_v he_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o final_a obstinate_a refusal_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o thereby_o leave_v all_o other_o sin_n unpardoned_a now_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o this_o question_n in_o your_o great_a fear_n that_o you_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n be_v you_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n to_o pardon_v sanctify_v guide_v and_o save_v you_o or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o you_o be_v not_o if_o you_o will_v but_o wait_v on_o god_n word_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n &_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v but_o beg_v earnest_o of_o god_n to_o make_v you_o willing_a you_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v you_o this_o mean_n in_o vain_a &_o that_o this_o way_n will_v be_v more_o profitable_a than_o all_o your_o complain_n see_v therefore_o when_o you_o be_v at_o the_o very_o low_a that_o you_o forsake_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n and_o indeed_o those_o that_o deny_v any_o general_n grace_n or_o redemption_n do_v leave_v poor_a christian_n in_o a_o very_a lamentable_a condition_n for_o alas_o assurance_n of_o special_a grace_n yea_o or_o a_o high_a probability_n be_v not_o so_o common_a a_o thing_n as_o mere_a disputer_n against_o doubt_v have_v imagine_v and_o when_o a_o poor_a christian_a be_v beat_v from_o his_o assurance_n which_o few_o have_v he_o have_v nothing_o but_o probability_n and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o confident_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o special_a grace_n where_o be_v he_o then_o and_o what_o have_v he_o leave_v to_o support_v his_o soul_n i_o will_v not_o so_o far_o now_o meddle_v with_o that_o controversy_n as_o to_o open_v further_o how_o this_o opinion_n tend_v to_o leave_v most_o christian_n in_o desperation_n for_o all_o the_o pretence_n it_o have_v find_v and_o i_o have_v do_v more_o but_o that_o general_a redemption_n or_o satisfaction_n be_v common_o teach_v in_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o general_n sufficiency_n of_o it_o though_o man_n understand_v not_o how_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v cold_a comfort_n for_o i_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v thus_o christ_n will_v damn_v sinner_n i_o be_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o he_o will_v damn_v i_o as_o to_o argue_v thus_o christ_n will_v save_v sinner_n i_o be_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o he_o will_v save_v i_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o show_n of_o soundness_n in_o either_o of_o these_o argument_n it_o be_v not_o a_o certainty_n that_o christ_n will_v save_v you_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o general_n grace_n alone_o that_o must_v be_v have_v from_o assurance_n of_o of_o special_a grace_n superad_v to_o the_o general_n but_o a_o conditional_a certainty_n you_o may_v have_v from_o general_n grace_n only_o and_o thus_o you_o may_v sound_o and_o infallible_o argue_v god_n have_v make_v a_o grant_n to_o every_o sinful_a man_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n sacrifice_n if_o they_o will_v but_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n therefore_o god_n have_v make_v this_o grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o i_o direction_n xxxi_o if_o god_n do_v bless_v you_o with_o a_o able_a faithful_a prudent_a judicious_a pastor_n take_v he_o for_o your_o guide_n under_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o open_a to_o he_o your_o case_n and_o desire_v his_o advice_n in_o all_o your_o extraordinary_a press_a necessity_n where_o you_o have_v find_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o godly_a friend_n to_o be_v insufficient_a and_o this_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o only_o but_o as_o often_o as_o such_o press_a necessity_n shall_v return_v or_o if_o your_o own_o pastor_n be_v more_o defective_a for_o such_o a_o work_n make_v use_n of_o some_o other_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v more_o meet_a here_o i_o have_v these_o several_a thing_n to_o open_a to_o you_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o seek_v this_o direction_n from_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n you_o shall_v do_v this_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n and_o how_o far_o 4._o what_o minister_n they_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v choose_v thereto_o 5._o in_o what_o manner_n you_o must_v open_v your_o case_n that_o you_o may_v receive_v satisfaction_n 1._o the_o first_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o that_o you_o must_v open_v your_o case_n 2._o and_o that_o to_o your_o pastor_n 1._o the_o devil_n have_v great_a advantage_n while_o you_o keep_v his_o counsel_n two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o for_o if_o one_o of_o they_o fall_v he_o have_v another_o to_o help_v he_o it_o be_v dangerous_a resist_v such_o a_o enemy_n alone_o a_o unite_n of_o force_n oft_o procure_v victory_n god_n give_v other_o knowledge_n prudence_n and_o other_o gift_n for_o our_o good_a that_o so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n may_v have_v need_n of_o another_o and_o each_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o other_o a_o independency_n of_o christian_a upon_o christian_a be_v most_o unchristian_a much_o more_o of_o people_n on_o their_o guide_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o body_n or_o fellow_n member_n be_v next_o to_o separation_n from_o they_o sometime_o bashfulness_n be_v the_o cause_n sometime_o self-confidence_n a_o far_o worse_a cause_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_n smother_a their_o doubt_n the_o effect_n be_v oft_o sad_a the_o disease_n be_v oft_o go_v so_o far_o that_o the_o cure_n be_v very_o difficult_a